AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 1 Leitrim 2

Leitrim Aerial Map AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 3

Contents

1.0 Introduction 5 2.0 Village Context 7 3.0 Village History 9 4.0 Village Analysis 11 5.0 Consultation 19 6.0 Project Proposals/Initiatives 21 7.0 Action Plan 25 8.0 Way Forward 33 9.0 Information Sources/Acknowledgements 37

Appendices A1 PERS Analysis Forms A2 GVA Community Consultation Summary 4

Leitrim AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 5

1.0 Introduction The settlement name of Leitrim comes Purpose While still in draft form, the policies and designations The Banbridge District Village Plans set out what the residents contained within dBNMAP will remain material considerations from Liatroim, meaning ‘grey ridge’. of Leitrim would like to see in terms of village development over in the assessment of development proposals for Leitrim. the next 5 years. Leitrim is designated as a Small Settlement in dBNMAP. An Area of Townscape Character has been identifi ed at the The Village Plans have been prepared in consultation with the crossroads and a Local Landscape Policy Area along the river residents of Leitrim and those with an interest in the village. and stream corridors. The Disused Transport Route of the old railway cuts through the south of the settlement. Intended Use The intended use is to guide betterment of the village and to Leitrim is also located within the Mourne Area of Outstanding establish actions in the short, medium and long term, that Natural Beauty. meet the objectives of the residents and would contribute positively to progressing the social, economic, ecological and the physical appearance of the village.

Actions identifi ed in the action plan can be taken forward by any party identifi ed as a stakeholder for that action but should be taken forward in the knowledge of the others identifi ed where reasonably practicable.

Leitrim Development Plan Context The Planning and Local Government Group within the Department of the Environment (formerly Planning Service) is responsible for the administration of planning functions in Northern Ireland, including the preparation of development plans.

Leitrim is currently covered by both the Banbridge Area Plan (BAP) 1983-98 and the Banbridge District Rural Area Subject Plan (BDRASP) 1986-1998. The BAP defi ned Leitrim as a Hamlet in the settlement hierarchy, while the BDRASP clarifi ed its development limits. Although beyond the notional end date of 1998 these Plans remain the statutory development plans for Leitrim.

The draft Banbridge/Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015 (dBNMAP) will replace the current plans when adopted. The Planning Appeals Commission (PAC) returned its completed report on dBNMAP to the Department on 26 March 2012. The Department has advised that it is currently assessing the PAC recommendations and that a timetable for publication of the fi nal Plan will be released in due course. 6

River Lagan

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BANBRIDGENBR Corbet Lough

River Bann CORBETCORB T

SCARVA

LOUGHBRICKLANDO ND ANNACLONEAN NNE KATESBRIDGEK Loughbrickland Lake MONEYSLANEMO LEITRIM

Local Context AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 7

2.0 Village Context

Geographical Location The settlement of Leitrim lies in the south west of the Banbridge District Area.

Landscape Character The settlement of Leitrim lies within the Mourne Foothills character area. The landscape pattern is geometric, reinforced by sturdy stone walls and well maintained hedgerows. Areas of gorse and windblown pines are also a feature of the landscape.

A key principle for landscape management in this character area is the maintenance of stone walls and management of hedgerows, ensuring conservation of existing landuse patterns.

Regional Context

National Context

Source: http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/land-home/landscape_home/country_landscape 8

Leitrim Historical Map 1921

Historic Map reproduced by kind permission of Banbridge District Council AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 9

3.0 Village History

Leitrim Catholic Church There has been a church in Leitirm since 1786, when the building was erected on the site of an old Mass rock, on land donated by the McCartans. The McCartan family contributed generously to the building and maintenance of the church. The church is now in the Gothic style, however it was originally described as a plain, slated, rectangular building with open seats and a gallery.

In 1897, a spire was added, having been designed by a young architect from Belfast named Timothy Heavy. Later additions were a mosaic fl oor, marble steps, Stations of the Cross and a Lourdes stained glass window.

Source: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rosdavies/ PHOTOSwords/DrumgoolandAll.htm

Leitrim Presbyterian Church

The fi rst communion in this church was held in May 1897 but there was possibly an earlier place of worship here.

Source: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rosdavies/ PHOTOSwords/DrumgoolandAll.htm 10 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 11

4.0 Village Analysis

A site visit and appraisal of Leitrim was carried out on the 2nd Spatial Analysis April 2012. The site visit analysis was carried out via PERS review forms and a photo record of the settlement. The spatial analysis below captures the key elements and the settlements topographical features. The purpose behind this Pedestrian Environment Review Survey (PERS) form of diagram is to gain a feeling for the sense of place.

PERS or ‘Pedestrian Environment Review Survey’ is a walking audit tool. PERS is used to assess the level of service and quality provided for pedestrians across a range of pedestrian environments. The AECOM design team, along with GVA have used a PERS review to appraise the following types of pedestrian environment: Links, Crossings, Place Check, Public Spaces and Heritage. The PERS forms have been appended to this report under Appendix A1.

With this type of audit, the pedestrian environment and place review is qualitative, using the judgement of the consultant design team. This allows the ‘feel’ of the environment to be gauged and assessed from a fi rst time visitor perspective. The qualitative analysis of the places from the perspective of the community will be assessed though detailed community consultation and incorporated into the outcomes of the analysis process. Spatial Analysis Diagram Following the site visit and PERS analysis, the fi ndings were then translated into a tabulated form - a SWOT analysis. SWOT Analysis landscape SWOT analysis has been used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for Leitrim. A SWOT analysis is categorised by: local Strengths - the characteristics of the place that give it an identity, sense of place, local advantage communityhistory Weaknesses - the characteristics that may be poor within the heart setting village/settlement heritage

Opportunities - opportunities are the chances to improve the place/environment/quality of life/regeneration capacity of the homes place

Threats - threats are external elements in the environment that could cause a negative infl uence in the village/settlement

Ordnance Survey NIMA No. CS&LA156 12

4.1 Photo Record 01 02

03 10 13 14 11 12 04 02 06

09 03 06 07

08 01 05

0401 05 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 13

07 08 09 10

11 12 13

14 14

4.2 Physical Analysis

Primary Vehicular Route

Mourne Circuit and Slieve 99 Croob Cycle Route Nodes

Scrambling Course Local Centre

Local Landmark Nursery

Derelict Buildings

Empty Buildings

New Development * Not all sold Development Site 99

Public Green Space Development Site

Bus Stop / Route

Car Parks / On Street Parking

99 Cycle Route

Key Views

Existing Public Realm

N Ordnance Survey NIMA No. CS&LA156 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 15

4.3 Infrastructure Mapping 16

Precedent Images SWOT Analysis

Weakness

Opportunity

Traffi c speeds Strength

Threat

Combined play area and 1970’s housing

Playarea Development Flooding Site

Village Core

Animal feed yard

Ordnance Survey NIMA No. CS&LA156 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 17

4.3 SWOT Analysis

Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

• Peaceful and attractive rural setting • Animal feed yard would benefi t from screening of its • Key building at crossroads is under utilised and • Traffi c speed is a potential threat particularly at service yard presents an opportunity for improving the character Railway Close • Core of the village works well. MAC’s Corner Bar & of the town centre Country Foodstore, the chapel and old barn act as • Old barn building at crossroads under utilised and at • Unfi nished development sites attractive landmark buildings in the area key point in the village • Pocket park potential in the open space beside stream between Old railway Mews and Riverside • Issues around the previous fl oods remain • GAA and Nursery contribute well to the community • Play area is hidden away and limited in scope unresolved and should be fostered • Area of townscape character could be enhanced • 1970’s housing on riverside is poorly integrated with • Economic downturn is negatively impacting on • Leitrim Festival rural environment • Play facilities could be improved inward investment, the growth potential of rural areas and their future job prospects • Historical fl ooding 18

Banbridge District Village Plans Your Village needs you! Consultation Process Community Event Posters and Forms YOUR COMMENTS AND IDEAS

Please write your thoughts and ideas down and leave this form with a design team member before you go.

Name:

Address: AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 19

5.0 Consultation

Making Local Views Count Stage 1 Community Consultation Core Themes Throughout the work in preparing a Village Plan for Leitrim The fi rst round of community consultation was undertaken in While the number and range of comments made by the there has been a considerable level of interaction with the Leitrim, in the GAA Club on Monday 30th April. This was an community and stakeholders is extensive, the core themes are community and key stakeholders. Their contributions, attended session and gave residents of the village an as follows: comments and views have all been fed into the process of opportunity to review the draft action plan and discuss it with advancing and refi ning the plan proposals and have been members of the consultation team. • New play park for children recorded as an Appendix to the Plan. • Improved provision for walking and cycling Members of the community had the opportunity to ‘Draw your • Footpath to the GAA club A Collaborative Approach own Plan’ and ‘Stick a dot on the things you like’. In addition, The community consultation process adopted for the comments forms were supplied for general comments on the Banbridge District Village Plans was specifi cally designed to: draft action plan.

• Ensure the community and stakeholders are involved in the production of the plans and not just consulted once the Stage 2 Community Consultation plans have been completed. Stage 2 consultation was undertaken on Tuesday 22nd May in • Ensure the community feel involved enough to take the GAA Club. The meeting included a powerpoint presentation ownership of the plans and have a sense of pride in their to communicate the village plan process, timescales, Village. initiatives and fi nally a series of visualisations of potential • Ensure widespread awareness of what is being undertaken village improvements. Attendees of the meeting then had a and develop ‘knowledgeable communities’, able to chance to review and discuss the action plans, which were contribute purposefully at all stages of the development of displayed on the wall both in tabular and plan format. the Village Plans. • Give residents and stakeholders the confi dence and assurance that their views are being heard and issues dealt Stage 3 Community Consultation with, as well as keeping people informed of the progress. The Stage 3 consultation was undertaken on Tuesday 29th May in the GAA Club. This was a drop in event to facilitate review of the proposed Action Plan, that was fully updated to take on board comments raised at stage 2 consultation.

Stakeholder Consultees The following stakeholders were contacted regarding the Leitrim Village Plan during the consultation period:

• NIHE • DOE Planning • DRD Roads Service • DARD Rivers Agency • NIEA • PSNI • SELB • Southern Trust HSCNI • Enable NI 20 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 21

6.0 Project Proposals/

The visualisations in this section of the plan document and Initiatives illustrate a selection of key initiatives that have been suggested in the Action Plan. They are intended to give inspiration and convey how simple measures can greatly improve the setting or function of the village. The initiatives are more fully described in the Action Plan in Chapter 7.0.

Pocket Park A new pocket park could be created with play area provision at the open space between Old Railway Mews and Riverside, including replacement of the existing chain link fencing boundary treatment, with timber fencing and hedge planting. This would provide a meeting place for residents and an amenity space for local children. Capacity in the channel of the stream could be increased by changing the profi le, thereby reducing the likelihood of inundation.

Crossroads Environmental Improvements Public realm improvements around the crossroads and in front of the shop and barn could enhance the area of Townscape Character. This would create a stronger core to the village, by providing a focal point for social interaction and reducing the dominance of asphalt whilst still catering for movement of larger vehicles. The proposals would include the introduction of street trees/planting, parking bays, pavements, uncontrolled tactile crossings, seating areas, cycle stands etc.

22

Crossroads Visualisation

Existing conditions AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 23

Pocket Park Visualisation

Existing conditions 24 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 25

7. 0 Action Plan

ACTION PLAN THEMES

Physical / Aesthetic Ecological Socio – Economic Development

Short Term Actions/Quick Wins (next 12 months) Cost Range Stakeholders Potential Funders Theme

S.1 Provide village name signs on approaches to the village. £6,000 DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council DRD Roads Service

S.2 Introduce community noticeboard to foster community relations and advertise £1,000 Banbridge District Council, DRAP Banbridge District Council, DRAP events.

S.3 Investigate options for bulk buying of goods such as home heating oil through a N / A Banbridge District Council, DRAP, Community Group Banbridge District Council, DRAP village cooperative.

S.4 Negotiate with landowner to screen the service yard to the rear of the animal feeds £10,000 DRD Roads Service, Business Owner, adjacent Landowner DRD Roads Service factory to reduce visual impact of the yard.

S.5 Introduce hedge planting at the fence between Riverside and Leitrim Road to create £7,500 DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD a buffer to the road and enhance rural feel

S.6 Improve signage to the existing play area at the rear of the housing on Riverside and £1,500 Banbridge District Council, Community Group Banbridge District Council agree an improved grounds maintenance regime. Note longer term relocation proposed. (Refer to S.13/M.3)

S.7 Provide a safer means of pedestrian access to the GAA Club, housing and Nursery £11,000 DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council, affected Landowners, NI Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD school on Backaderry Road by the extension of the existing footpath or provision of a Water, Fontenoy GAA Club, Community Group demarcated footway using a white line on the roadway, where the road width

prevents a footpath. (Traffic Regulation Order Process required.)

S.8 Introduce signage for the Legananny Cycle Route, which passes through the village. £1,500 Sustrans, DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council, NI Tourist Sustrans, NI Tourist Board Board

S.9 Investigate opportunity for increasing the frequency of the opening of bar on N / A Business Owner Backaderry Road.

S.10 Investigate opportunities to improve the setting of the incomplete area of the new N / A Banbridge District Council, Landowner Private Investment, Banbridge District development off Ballydrumman Road backing onto Leitrim Road with tree and shrub Council, DRAP planting to enhance rural character.

S.11 Liaise with the local community to identify locations where dog waste bins and £4,000 Banbridge District Council, Community Group, DRAP Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD signage should be placed. It has been noted that dog fouling has become an issue and the placing of bins and signs would allow the cleaning up to be enforceable and actionable.

S.12 Undertake consultation with local community and transport providers regarding the N / A Banbridge District Council, Translink, Community Group, local Transport DRAP, TADA Rural Network existing public transport provision and improvements (frequency/new routes etc) Providers, DRAP, TADA Rural Network that could be made, including community bus initiatives. Particular focus required on inclusion of outlying communities. (Refer also to S.21) 26

S.13 Initiate discussions with the local community and local landowners regarding the N / A Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP, Landowner, Community Group Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP creation of a pocket park and the provision of a play area at the open space between Old Railway Mews and Riverside, including establishing the age range that play

equipment should cater for. (Refer to M.3)

S.14 Liaise with the local community to establish needs for further programmes, events, N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, local Residents TADA Rural Support Network, Banbridge clubs etc for young children through to teenagers and also for adults and elderly District Council people. Existing local groups / committees or, where none exist, new local groups to develop programmes, secure funding and run the activities. (Refer also to S.15, M.18 & L.7)

S.15 Initiate discussions with the local organisations to further develop community usage N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, local Residents, Chapel, Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP of the GAA for community events, organisations etc. to facilitate the development of Fontenoy GAA Club activities for the community. (Refer also to S.14, M.18 & L.7)

S.16 Provide a safer means of pedestrian access to the housing beyond the old railway £20,000 DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council, PSNI, Community Group DRD Roads Service bridge on Leitrim Road and onto Ballymaginty Road by the extension of the existing footpath or provision of a demarcated footway using a white line on the roadway, where the road width prevents a footpath. Include an uncontrolled crossing with tactile paving. (Traffic Regulation Order Process required.)

Note that the humpback bridge creates a blind spot, which compromises safety when pedestrians are on the roadway.

S.17 Liaise with the local community to identify if the distribution, number, capacity and N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, local Residents Banbridge District Council frequency of emptying of street litter bins in the village is satisfactory.

S.18 Liaise with appropriate community representative on the issues surrounding flag N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, Relevant Community N/A display and the length of time for display Representative

S.19 Review damage to bridge at Backaderry Road. Identify any remedial works required N / A DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council DRD Roads Service and establish a programme to undertake these.

S.20 Review flood prevention measures – establish if any are proposed and/or develop N / A Rivers Agency, NI Water N/A proposals, particularly an issue at the properties at the end of Backaderry Road. (Refer to L.7 & also M.17)

S.21 Initiate discussions with relevant bodies to promote tourism in and around Leitrim, N / A Banbridge District Council, Translink, Community Group, local Transport DRAP, TADA Rural Network including highlighting the leisure (walking/cycling) opportunities and the large Providers, DRAP, TADA Rural Network, NI Tourist Board, local number of local cottage industries, such as Drumgooland Smoke House, Turnip Businesses/Cottage Industries, local Artists House felt making, Dot’s Pots, Moneyslane apple tarts along with local artist/illustrator Frankie Morgan. Liaise with these and others to explore opportunities such as open days, demonstration events etc, potentially tying in with the proposed craft or farmer’s market. Liaise with transport provider to establish if the village could be included on the route of the Mourne Rambler bus service to the village or the local cottage industries to increase tourist numbers and provide economic benefit to the local economy. (Refer also to S.12 & S.22)

S.22 Initiate discussions between the local community, local traders and farmers and N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, local Residents, Fontenoy Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD, other interested parties to establish the interest and viability of a craft or farmer’s GAA Club, local Farmers & Traders, local Businesses/Cottage Industries, TADA Rural Network market, potentially to be held at the GAA Club. A portion of income generated (stall local Artists costs etc.) could be retained by the community group to fund other community initiatives or village improvements. (Refer also to S.21) AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 27

S.23 Introduce interpretative signage on Tom Herron, a motorbike racer killed at £5,000 Banbridge District Council, Community Group, local Residents, Business DRAP Northwest 200 in 1979, at the 2 Pot Inn, which was his family home. Liaise with the Owner, DRAP, NI Tourist Board owner of the 2 Pot Inn to establish opportunities to open up the business to display the Tom Herron memorabilia. Consideration should be given to tying this into an annual event to attract motorbike enthusiasts to the village.

S.24 Liaise with relevant bodies, such as Royal Mail, Google etc to improve the presence N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, local Residents, Business of Leitrim, which currently has no identity on Google Maps or a postcode that locates Owners, DRAP it on a map (links to Ballyward). Village is not found on most sat nav equipment either. This will be a hindrance to the desire of the village to promote tourism and increase visitor numbers. (Refer to S.21/S.22)

Medium Term Actions (next 1-5 years) Cost Range Stakeholders Potential Funders Theme

M.1 Undertake public realm improvements around the crossroads and in front of the £65,000 DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP, Community DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District shop and barn to enhance the area of Townscape Character, implementing Manual Group Council, DSD, DRAP for Streets 2, with the aim of creating a stronger core to the village with a focal point for social interaction and reducing the dominance of asphalt whilst still catering for movement of larger vehicles, including the introduction of street trees/planting, parking bays, pavements, uncontrolled tactile crossings, seating areas, cycle stands etc. Aim to reduce the road widths to enhance the village character and provide better pedestrian connections, including to the chapel from the main areas of housing. Include a stone townland marker and amenity lighting of key features. (Traffic Regulation Order Process required.)

M.2 Remove crash barriers at the entrance to the waste treatment works and extend £10,000 DRD Roads Service, NI Water, Banbridge District Council DRD Roads Service, NI Water, DRAP stone walls to river over bridge access to improve its setting and so it is more in keeping with village character.

M.3 Create a pocket park with new play area provision at the open space between Old £150,000 - £250,000 Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP, Landowner, Community Group, Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP Railway Mews and Riverside, including replacement of the existing chainlink fencing Ni Housing Executive boundary treatment with timber fencing and hedge planting. (Refer to S.13)

M.4 Establish need for allotments through the consultations, potentially to be located at N / A Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP, Landowners, Community Group Banbridge District Council, DSD, DRAP. existing play park to the rear of Riverside. (Refer to M.3 & M.15) Groundworks NI

M.5 Introduce a 30mph speed limit to reduce the speed of traffic through the village, and £20,000 DRD Roads Service, DSD, Banbridge District Council Developer, Banbridge District Council, DSD, provide physical measures to enforce the speed limit, such as speed ramps, solar DRAP operated VMS signs etc, to slow traffic on the approaches to the chapel and old railway bridge and the crossroads in all directions, so that associated issues regarding disturbance and noise are radically reduced making the main street more

pleasant and safely navigable for pedestrians and a more attractive place to live. This will help to encourage the development of a social hub in the core of the village. (Traffic Regulation Order Process required.)

M.6 Investigate opportunities to build on the Leitrim Festival held in August each year, N / A Festival Organisers, Banbridge District Council, Community Group DRD Roads Service, DSD including ways of gaining an income / investment for use in future community projects or to fund community groups. 28

M.7 Establish if street lighting provision is sufficient to ensure pedestrian safety in all N / A DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council DRD Roads Service areas. Lights noted to be spaced far apart on Ballydrumman Road on the approach to the crossroads and there is limited provision on Backaderry Road. Implement

change if a need is identified.

M.8 Evidence of basketball court and tennis court at GAA Club, but these would be N / A Banbridge District Council, Fontenoy GAA Club, Community Group DRD Roads Service difficult to use as this would obstruct the use of the car park. Explore requirement / need for improved provision for these or for the provision of facilities for other

activities, such as a handball alley.

M.9 Environmental improvement scheme at Riverside to create a more village character, £40,000 DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council, NI Housing Executive, Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD including the provision of parking bays, tree and shrub planting instead of current Landowner paviors etc to enhance rural feel.

M.10 Liaise with the Chapel, residents and other interested parties (Leitrim Festival etc.) N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, Chapel, affected N/A over the requirement for additional parking for when there is an event being held in Landowners, DOE Planning the village. Establish need and identify a suitable site. (Refer to L.3)

M.11 Provide cycle routes using back roads to link with adjacent villages and £1,500 Sustrans, DRD Roads Service, Banbridge District Council, NI Tourist DSD, DRAP, DOE, Banbridge District Castlewellan, including a connection to the Slieve Croob cycle circuit. Board Council, Sustrans

M.12 Introduce interpretative signage covering available cycling, walking routes, nearby £5,000 NI Tourist Board, DOE Planning, Community Group Sustrans, NI Tourist Board visitor attractions and any other points of interest, such as the Legananny Dolmen.

M.13 Liaise with Landowner over potential development of stone barn on Ballydrumman N / A NIEA, DOE, Landowner, Banbridge District Council, DSD, Sustrans Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD Road, which is in a prominent location within the village and contributes to the village setting at the crossroads. Potentially could be refurbished as self catering

accommodation or hostel accommodation? (Refer to L.2)

M.14 Identify existing or potential walking routes and circuits around the countryside £1,500 Banbridge District Council, Community Group, affected Landowners, Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD surrounding the village, such as St Patrick’s Well walk and ‘The Mile’ circuit, and DOE Planning introduce waymarking signage to promote the health and wellbeing of the community.

M.15 Establish need for urban bike trail for BMX bikes through the consultations and N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, affected Landowners Banbridge District Council, DRAP identify suitable site. (Refer to L.5)

M.17 Liaise with NI Water to agree ways of addressing the flooding that has arisen since N / A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, NI Water, Rivers Agency NI Water, Rivers Agency the new bridge to the waste water treatment works was erected, due to the low capacity of the bridge. Consider a diverting culvert for high water conditions to take the extra flow past the bridge? (Refer also to S.20 & L.6)

M.18 Establish the viability of a standalone community hall somewhere within the village, N/A Banbridge District Council, Community Group, Building Owner, Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD potentially by use of the old hall building on Ballydrumman Road, for use for Landowner community groups, community events, evening classes, local organisations such as beavers, cubs, rainbows, mums & tots, after schools clubs etc. as these are

established. Identify a suitable site, develop proposals and secure funding. (Refer to L.7 & also to S.14/S15) AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 29

Long Term Actions (5 + years) Cost Range Stakeholders Potential Funders Theme

L.1 Introduce hedge planting, trees and shrubs to chapel car park to improve £20,000 DRD Roads Service, DSD, Banbridge District Council, Community Group, DSD streetscape on the approach to the area of townscape character and improve the Chapel. connection to the rural environment.

L.2 Implement proposed development of stone barn on Ballydrumman Road. (Refer to £250,000 - £500,000 NIEA, DOE, Landowner, Banbridge District Council, DSD, Sustrans Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD M.13)

L.3 Implement agreed solution to resolve parking issues. (Refer to M.10) £100,000 - £200,000 Banbridge District Council, Community Group, Chapel, affected Chapel, DRAP, DSD Landowners, DOE Planning

L.4 Investigate opportunities for introducing a cycle way/ path on the disused railway N / A NIEA, DOE, affected Landowners, Banbridge District Council, DSD, Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD line and initiate proposals allowing access to a more naturalistic environment and Sustrans providing an increased length of walking amenity route and providing better connections to nature – Castlewellan – Newcastle route.

L.5 Implement agreed solution for urban bike trail. (Refer to M.15) Scope to be Determined Banbridge District Council, Community Group, affected Landowners Banbridge District Council, DRAP

L.6 Undertake agreed flood alleviation measures. (Refer to S.20) Scope to be Determined Rivers Agency, NI Water Rivers Agency

L.7 Implement creation of a flexible community building in line with consultations, in £500,000 - £1,000,000 Banbridge District Council, Community Group, local Residents, Building Banbridge District Council, DRAP, DSD, agreed location if need is established. (Refer to M.18) Owner, Landowner TADA Rural Network

30 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 31 32

PROCESS

Quick win projects will be put forward for identifi ed funding through DRAP village renewal fund

Further applications to be made to other identifi ed funding routes

Responses to funding applications will be reviewed and where applicable specifi c projects chosen to advance

Process to continue and to include pursuing government department grants and capital project budgeting

FUNDING SECURED

Applications and Consultation

Projects to be taken to construction

PROCESS FOR MEDIUM TERM PROJECTS TO CONTINUE

PROCESS FOR LONG TERM PROJECTS TO CONTINUE

* Process to be monitored and reviewed by steering group to ensure positive progress AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 33

8.0 Way Forward

The procedure for the production of the Village Plan for Leitrim has been an extremely worthwhile process, in terms of involving the community and gaining momentum for regeneration in the village.

Following three stages of public consultation, the village plan has been prepared to take on board the views and aspirations of the local residents and business owners, ensuring community buy-in for the proposals. The plans have also been reviewed by a core group of stakeholders.

Many of the actions are short term or ‘quick wins’ that can be achieved with minimum funding and without formal permissions and have been identifi ed to help bring about drive and momentum for the implementation of longer term projects.

More complex projects will require permissions to be in place, like Planning Permission or Traffi c Regulation Orders. They may need the buy in of multiple stakeholders to progress, including landowners or other parties. They will also have more complex funding arrangements and may require multiple applications or match funding from Government Departments to be identifi ed and budgeted for in a fi nancial year.

Action Review Banbridge District Council will monitor the progress of the village plan, identifying any stumbling blocks and potential resolutions so that the plan can always be moving forward. The Council may call on selected community groups to drive forward particular elements of the plan, in particular any proposals that require funding that can only be sought by community groups. 34

8.1 Funding Opportunities

Grant Who can apply Funding range Possible applications Garfi eld Weston Foundation Registered charities, unless the organisation has No strict limit Funding provided for projects in the UK in the general ‘exempt’ or ‘exempted’ status fi elds of: education, arts, health, environment, community, youth, religion, welfare and social.

Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) - Project Development Building Preservation Trusts Up to £20,000 Assistance available to help Building Preservation Trusts Grants pay for developing and coordinating a project.

Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) - Options Appraisal Registered charities Up to 75% costs, not exceeding £7500 Assistance available towards the cost of an options Grants appraisal to determine the most feasible option for the repair on an historic building or benefi cial reuse in the UK. American Express - Philanthropic Programme Organisations that are able to prove not-for-profi t status No strict limit Assistance available for not-for-profi t organisations in worldwide three areas: Historic Preservation & Conservation, Leadership, Community Service and Engagement

All Our Stories - Heritage Lottery Fund Voluntary and Community organisations Between £3000 and £10,000 Support for activities which encourage communities across the UK to get involved with their local heritage. **May be applicable for Banbridge District Linen Trail** Support for Tourism Businesses (Northern Ireland) Tourism accommodation business, existing or start-up Varies Financial support to assist tourism businesses in Northern Ireland

Small Business Rate Relief Scheme (Northern Ireland) Small businesses and post offi ces Average of £300-£430 per year Rate relief for small businesses. **May be applicable for fl exible working hubs** Re-Imaging Communities Programme District Councils and constituted community and £500-£5000 and £15,001-£50,000 Grants available to encourage creation of vibrant and voluntary organisations attractive shared public space through arts which will create life, enhance the physical and natural environment, and include communities, Rural Transport Fund (Northern Ireland) Voluntary Organisations No strict limit Financial assistance is available to support projects in Northern Ireland that aim to provide improved transport opportunities. Village SOS Active (Lottery Programme) Non profi t organisations Between £10,000 and £50,000 Grants available to community businesses to revive villages in the UK

Lloyds TSB Foundation for Northern Ireland Registered charities, although there are some Between £3000 and £4000 Funding is available to registered charities in Northern exceptions Ireland for projects that target social and community needs or education and training.

Invest Northern Ireland - Property Assistance Scheme Clients of Invest Northern Ireland % of approved construction costs Financial assistance available for companies in Northern Ireland that require additional space, premises or property that they are seeking to develop themselves.

Down Rural Area Partnership Individuals or companies in rural areas with less than 10 Between £5000 and £50,000 Assistance to create employment opportunities through 3.2 Business Creation and Development employees promoting entrepreneurship and developing the economic infrastructure in rural areas. Down Rural Area Partnership Private Individuals, Companies, Local Councils Between £50,000 and £250,000 Funding to attract visitors, and create new employment 3.3 Encouragement of Tourism Activities opportunities through sustainable development of the rural economy. Down Rural Area Partnership Private individuals, private companies or partnerships, Between £50,000 and £100,000 Services and improvements for rural areas. 3.4 Basic services for the Economy and Rural Population non departmental public bodies, local councils, community/voluntary groups Down Rural Area Partnership Private individuals, private companies or partnerships, Between £5,000 and £70,000 To support integrated village initiatives and integrated 3.5 Village Renewal and Development non departmental public bodies, local councils, action plans. community/voluntary groups Down Rural Area Partnership Private individuals, private companies or partnerships Between £50,000 and £250,000 To support opportunities to preserve and upgrade 3.6 Conservation and Upgrading of the Rural Heritage social economy enterprises (SEE), non Departmental Northern Ireland’s rural heritage and to use the natural public bodies, Local Councils and built environment as the basis for sustainable economic growth in rural areas. AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 35

8.1 Funding Opportunities

Grant Who can apply Funding range Possible applications Awards for All - Northern Ireland (Lottery Programme) Not-for-profi t organisation, town or parish council, £500-10,000 Equipment and computers, training courses, publicity school or health body and research costs, start-up costs, pilot projects, events, volunteer expenses, conference costs, special repairs, travel and outings, materials HLF - Landscape Partnerships (Lottery Programme) Formal or informal partnerships, likely to include local Between £250,000 and £ 2 million Support for integrated community projects throughout voluntary conservation or community groups, parish the UK for the conservation, enhancement and wider councils, local governments or statutory/advisory enjoyment of the landscape. agencies. HLF - Heritage Grants (Lottery Programme) Not-for-profi t organisations Greater than £100,000 Projects relating to national, regional or local heritage of UK, which aim to conserve and enhance diverse heritage and/or encourage people to be more involved in their heritage. ** Cycle route & Tourism trail are possible applications ** Parks for People (Lottery Programme) Local authorities/not-for-profi t organisations that own Range from £250,000 to £5 million Restoration and regeneration projects focussing on public parks public parks and gardens, including squares, walks and promenades in the UK

Townscape Heritage Initiative (Lottery Programme) Not-for-profi t organisations, local authorities Between £500,000 and £2 million Support for communities in regenerating the historic parts of their towns and cities.

The Idlewind Trust UK registered charities and excepted/publicly exempt Up to £5000 Grants available for projects that encourage the charities performing/fi ne arts and preserve buildings, objects of beauty and items of historic interest or national importance for public benefi t. Skinners Company - Lady Neville Charity Registered charities and not-for-profi t organisations in £500-£1000 Grants available for not-for-profi t organisations and the UK registered charities offering a diverse range of activities and interests within one of the Charity’s areas of priority: Local Heritage, Local community; and Performing Arts Reconciliation Fund (for North South and Anglo-Irish Individuals and community based organisations involved EUR 1000-EUR 150,000 Assistance with reconciliation work and efforts to create Cooperation) in reconciliation work to create better understanding better understanding between people on the island of between people on the island of Ireland and between Ireland and between Ireland and between Ireland and Ireland and Great Britain Great Britain NGO Grant Scheme Registered charities, particularly Building Preservation No strict limit Grants are available for registered charities in Northern Trusts Ireland, particularly Building Preservation Trusts, to help with the cost of acquiring listed buildings at risk. ** May be applicable for Moneyslane - National School and Katesbridge building ** Esme Mitchell Trust Charitable and voluntary groups £120,000 per year is available Grants given for projects of a heritage, cultural or artistic nature. Appeals over a wide area of benefi t are supported, available in Ireland as a while, but principally in Northern Ireland. Groundwork - Groundwork Programmes Communities in need Varies Support available to improve the quality of environment, lives of local people and success of local businesses.

Community Relations and Cultural Diversity Grants Voluntary Organisations Maximum £10,000 Financial assistance to help voluntary and community Scheme (Northern Ireland) groups in Northern Ireland develop their capacity to engage in community relations work. Bombardier Aerospace in the Community (NI) The Foundation : groups must be registered charities Varies Funding available to support community involvement working in the community. Sponsorship committee: projects , primarily in the areas of education and voluntary and community groups. entrepreneurship. 36 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 37

9.0 Information Sources/ Acknowledgements Acknowledgements We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the preparation of this Village Plan, including:

• The community of Leitrim

Information Sources

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~rosdavies/PHOTOSwords/DrumgoolandAll.htm

Glossary

AONB Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty BDC Banbridge District Council DARD Department of Agriculture and Rural Development DOE Department of Environment DRAP Down Rural Area Partnership DRD Department for Regional Development EI Scheme Environmental Improvement/Public Realm Scheme HSCNI Health and Social Care Northern Ireland NIEA Northern Ireland Environment Agency NIHE Northern Ireland Housing Executive PERS Pedestrian Environment Review Survey PSNI Police Service Northern Ireland SELB Southern Education and Library Board SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats 38 AECOM Banbridge District Village Plans - Leitrim 39 A1 PERS Pedestrian Environment Review Survey Forms A2 GVA Community Consultation Summary 4040